Seven goals and eight assists – these are the statistics of Legia Warszawa player Ryoya Morishita in the autumn round. The 27-year-old Japanese, who played 30 times this season, was one of the most important players in Goncalo Feio's team and a player who made one of the greatest improvements under the Portuguese's guidance.
All this is the result not only of the player's work, but also of Feio's decision to change Morishita's position during the season. The Japanese player, who joined Legia in January this year, played as a shuttle player in the previous competitions and at the beginning of this season.
After changing the team formation, the role of Morishita also changed and he became a central midfielder. The Japanese performed very well, and the peak of his effectiveness came at the end of the round. The 27-year-old scored four goals in Legia's last five matches in the fall, beating the goalkeepers of Omonia (3-0), Stal Mielec (2-2), Zagłębie Lubin (3-0) and Lugano (1-2).
– He has an amazing work ethic and I think he is very brave. His move to Poland was not obvious. He is a professional who tries to understand everything in an open way – Feio said about the player.
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– Every fan should want such a man and player to represent Legia. He is an example to others. He plays football the way he behaves in life: bravely and joyfully. His loan period is coming to an end. The redemption amount is fixed. I would like him to stay with us permanently. I told this to him and to people from the club. I hope that Morishita will stay in Legia because he deserved it on the pitch – he added.
Morishita stays in Legion
Feio talked about the Japanese's future because it was not certain. Morishita joined Legia on a one-year loan from Nagoya Grampus. The Warsaw team included in the contract the possibility of purchasing the player for a certain amount. According to “Przegląd Sportowy” it was 500,000. euro.
Already in November, various media reported that Morishita would stay in Legia. This only became certain on Tuesday, when the club officially announced this information. The Japanese signed a 3.5-year contract with the Warsaw team, which means he will stay in Legia at least until the end of the 2027/28 season.
– Ryoya is making regular progress on many levels. He is a universal player, he can play in several positions. He showed diligence, character and determination to adapt the European style of play, more aggressive and physical, and he received adequate support from the club and staff to develop. Ryoya is a great value to our team, which is confirmed by his very good numbers in the round and his influence on the game – said Legia's sports director Jacek Zieliński.
– I really appreciate all the people who helped me over the last year in Poland. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my career in a great club like Legia. I will continue to work hard, humbly and do everything in my power to help her,” Morishita said.